Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Airlangga Hartarto, has clarified that his meeting with Minister of Investment/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), Bahlil Lahadalia, was purely focused on future investment strategies and not related to political matters.
“Bahlil is the Minister of Investment, so we talked about investment − future investments,” Airlangga told reporters at his office in Jakarta about the meeting on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.
While Airlangga did not elaborate on the specifics of the future investments discussed with Bahlil, he mentioned that planning and designing investment strategies for the future is essential.
“We talked about how financial policies should be geared toward the future to ensure sustainability. It was about deepening the financial sector,” he said.
The meeting between the two ministers from the Indonesia Onward Cabinet (KIM) has garnered significant attention. This is partly because Airlangga has recently tendered his resignation as Chairman of the Golkar Party, with Bahlil being widely rumored as his potential successor.
Previously, Minister of Youth and Sports, as well as Deputy Chairman of the Golkar Party, Dito Ariotedjo, revealed that Airlangga has been in close communication with Bahlil concerning the transition of leadership within the Golkar Party.
Dito expressed confidence that the leadership change would proceed smoothly.
“Pak Airlangga stepped down with full awareness and for the greater good. The transition seems smooth, and Pak Airlangga has been in close contact with Pak Bahlil,” Dito said.
He also mentioned witnessing firsthand the close relationship between Airlangga and Bahlil during their time at the New Capital City (IKN) and the Presidential Palace, where they discussed various matters.
